Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released Francis Ford Coppola's definitive Vampire film 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' to the UHD format. The disc offers 4K video with HDR colors and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. No new extras are included.

Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Bram Stoker's Dracula ran afoul of some framing controversy back when it was last released on Blu-ray. The "Mastered in 4K" "Supreme Cinema Series release was shifted "upwards and leftwards," leaving almost no two frames identical between that release and the original. Yet the presentation was otherwise vastly superior to the 2007 Blu-ray release. For those who are concerned with the framing, this UHD appears to maintain that of the "Mastered in 4K" presentation. It's a completely unscientific analysis, but careful examination of corresponding frames on the UHD against matching frames from both releases shows the same controversial framing. Be that as it may, the 4K release is otherwise very attractive; stunning, in fact. The image is gorgeously filmic, boasting exemplary textural definition supported by a consistent, even grain structure that's nicely pronounced yet very organic. Textural delights abound. Even as much of the film is very dark, as Castle Dracula walls are a dead-gray color, there's no shortage of textural superiority on display. Those stones, period attire, iron bars at the asylum, the wooden crates in which Dracula transports his native earth to London, dense city streets, nothing is left wanting for increased detailing and stability. Facial textures are particularly impressive. Van Helsing's scars and stubble seen in close-up when he lectures before a class in one scene is perhaps the best example of the transfer's ability to reproduce textures with tactile ease. The image is naturally sharp and clarity is striking in every frame. The film offers only bursts of intense color. Much of the film is defined by dreary grays and shadows, the latter in particular critical to the film's tone and presentation. The HDR coloring is used wisely, never betraying the film's core bleakness but reinforcing some key colors, notably reds, that earn increased punch without sacrificing core integrity. Black levels are gorgeously deep and accurate. Skin tones appear true to the lighting of any given scene. No source or encode flaws are readily apparent. This is a first-class image from Sony and one of the very best yet on the UHD format.

Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Bram Stoker's Dracula features a brand-new Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the same as featured on the previously released "Supreme Cinema Series" Blu-ray. It's a highly impressive listen. Musical engagement is seamless, very wide, and clarity dazzles throughout the film. Whether light surround engagement or heavy low end thump, the track delivers faithful and firm music with every opportunity. The track offers widely dispersed and engaging atmospherics. Often just rushes air or looming thunder are enough to set the tone for any given scene, and the track is always in command of every major and minor element alike. Overhead engagement pleases as it's necessary. Thunder, heavy crashing gates, dialogue reverberation, or many other elements, the top end offers a seamless support structure when it makes sense in support of any given sound element. Dialogue is clear and robust with fantastic reverberation as necessary. This is a wonderfully complimentary listen to a fantastic film that opens it up like never before.

Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Bram Stoker's Dracula contains no extras on the UHD disc but does carry over all of the previously released extras on the bundled Blu-ray. It also, of course, contains the usual Sony UHD bonuses, including cast and crew still photos and a collection of categorized "moments" (2160p/HDR/Atmos): Dracula, Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray/Elisabeta, and Professor Abraham Van Helsing. A UV digital copy code is included with purchase. Below is a list of the supplemental content featured on the Blu-ray, which is the "Mastered in 4K" version. For full supplemental reviews, please click here.

• Audio Commentary: Director Francis Ford Coppola, Visual Effects Director Roman Coppola, and Makeup Supervisor Greg Cannom.
• Audio Commentary: Director Francis Ford Coppola.
• Francis Ford Coppola Introduction
• Reflections in Blood: Francis Ford Coppola and Bram Stoker's Dracula
• Practical Magicians: A Collaboration Between Father and Son
• The Blood Is the Life: The Making of Bram Stoker's Dracula
• The Costumes Are the Sets: The Design of Eiko Ishioka
• In Camera: Naïve Visual Effects
• Method and Madness: Visualizing Dracula
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Bram Stoker's Dracula "Beware" Trailer
• Bram Stoker's Dracula Theatrical Trailer

Bram Stoker's Dracula 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bram Stoker's Dracula is classic of narrative structure, production design, lighting, cinematography, special effects, and acting. A superb film that has withstood the test of time, and will continue to do so, has earned its most definitive home video release to date. Sony's UHD delivers flawless video, fantastic Atmos audio, and a healthy collection of carryover bonus content. This release earns my highest recommendation.